Five Figure Studies (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

This unassuming graphite sketch on paper, made by Thomas Sully, offers us a glimpse into the artistic process in the 19th-century United States. Sully, a sought-after portraitist, was working at a time when art academies were solidifying their influence. These institutions emphasized rigorous training in drawing, particularly the human figure. Sully's sketch, with its studies of poses and expressions, reflects this academic emphasis. It reminds us that even successful artists like Sully engaged in continuous study to hone their craft. Look at the different poses, some more formal than others. What can these tell us about the way status and social relations were communicated at the time? Perhaps by researching etiquette manuals from the period, or examining other portraits by Sully, we can gain a better understanding of the cultural codes embedded within these seemingly simple sketches.